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Over the years, Apple has managed to keep its reputation of providing reliable security protocols. They’ve been incorporating safety nets into the devices they’re manufacturing. They’re constantly enhancing and innovating their products and services to ensure they continue to offer convenient and hassle-free experiences.
Unfortunately, it’s not only Apple that houses great minds for systems, networks, and devices. While tech specialists are tirelessly advancing and discovering new methods of better-utilizing technology, malicious actors are doing the same. Surprisingly, these cyber predators aren’t running out of creative and ingenious ways of hacking their way into devices with strict security, including iOS phones. They also manage to keep on developing suspicious apps and infected software that are solely meant for malicious and selfish purposes.
Spyware, for instance, is designed to monitor and exploit text messages, call logs, web searches, social media activities, GPS locations, login credentials, and more. Such software gains access to your phone without your consent, bypassing safety nets and security protocols in place. Read on to learn how to detect spyware on an iPhone and how to keep your device malware-free.
How To Find Spyware On Your iPhone
Spyware or spy software is a program specifically designed for tracking and monitoring. It’s generally not a bad tool as such could be beneficial for parents, employers, and marketing strategists. In fact, some spyware is programmed with parental controls and security settings – features that aim to protect users, data, and devices.
There’s no denying, however, that several users install spyware for the sole purposes of exploitation and theft. Aside from advanced tracking and monitoring features, spyware is typically designed to work in stealth mode, making it difficult to detect. As the name implies, predators utilize this software to spy on their targets, gathering valuable data, and looking for vulnerabilities.
Spyware utilized for legal and lawful purposes like child or employee monitoring requires the consent of the person being monitored. So, be alarmed if someone managed to install spyware into your iPhone without your consent.
Methods of Installing iPhone Spyware
- Clicking on a link in a phishing SMS message or email.
- Fallen victim to social engineering or malvertising.
- Unintentionally entertained an infected pop-up and are rerouted to a malicious site.
- They managed to acquire your iCloud credentials and phone number.
- They physically accessed and infiltrated your iPhone.
- They manually install the spyware directly into your iOS device.
Red Flags Spyware Is On Your iPhone
- Unreasonably high data usage.
- Faster battery draining.
- The iPhone warms up or gets too hot even when not in use.
- Weird call background noises.
- Slower turn-off time.
- Phone latencies and crashes.
- The backlight stays after locking the device.
- Messages and notifications with weird alphanumeric codes.
- Unexplainable RAM storage fill-up.
How To Locate Spyware On Your iPhone
- Browse Through Apps, Settings, Downloads, or Files
First, browse through the installed and/or running apps on your iPhone. Look for a weird or unfamiliar application or one that you don’t remember downloading. Some spyware authors conceal their software so well you must be extremely thorough. Do the same thing with your iPhone’s Settings, Downloads, and Files sections – look for something odd or unusual. Though spyware’s typically masked or concealed, there should always be traces of its presence.
You might also want to consider looking for the Cydia app. This app indicates if your phone has been jailbroken. Most spyware requires iPhone jailbreaking during the installation process. So, if you don’t remember doing such a process, your device is likely infected. You could perform a Spotlight Search and type in Cydia or 4433*29342.
- Run A Spyware Check Using A Third-Party App
If you haven’t done so already, install a trusted and reliable anti-spyware app. Such programs typically run automatically and simultaneously once activated. Just to make sure, however, initiate a manual search utilizing your third-party security software. If there are any hits or relevant results, you’ll be notified including when it was installed on your iPhone.
- Have A Specialist Look At Your iPhone
This may sound expensive, but unless you’re a tech specialist yourself, it’s best to leave such threats to the experts. Be sure, however, to bring your phone to a reputable and trusted company. We’d recommend you go to the official Apple store first.
How To Prevent Spyware From Infiltrating Your iPhone
Malicious software like spyware can significantly harm and exploit the operating system, installed apps, and stored data. Spying software can bypass even iPhone security, endangering the iPhone user and files. While it’s great you’re aware of the red flags and the steps of eradicating threats, it’s best to practice certain precautionary measures.
- Set strong PINs, enable two-factor authentication, and use Face ID.
- Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Only access SSL-certified websites (URLs starting with ‘https’).
- Keep your iOS up to date.
- Deleted unused apps.
- Install and enable trusted anti-spyware and antivirus tools.
- Never leave your iPhone unattended.